Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case that for-profit employers with religious objections may opt out of the contraception mandate under the Affordable Care Act.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby affirms the core principle that the government cannot compel the people it is meant to represent – even when those people own a private business – to violate their sincere religious beliefs.  The Obama Administration, with the help of Democrats in congress, went out of its way to impose as many mandates on the American people through its health care law as possible.  The Supreme Court today rejected a signature piece of the president’s health care law, and refused to allow the government to force business owners to violate their beliefs.  It is an important step in reaffirming our country’s First Amendment protections of religious freedom that serve as one of the founding principles of our nation.” 

Burgess currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and founded and serves as Co-Chairman of the Health Caucus.

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